New Orleans—Today the Port of New Orleans welcomes Texas A&M University at Galveston’s training vessel, TS General Rudder. The Texas Maritime Academy vessel and 50 cadets will be docked at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal through Thursday, Aug. 1.

“The Port of New Orleans is thrilled to welcome the Texas Maritime Academy,” said Gary LaGrange, Port President and CEO. “I want to offer all of the support and hospitality to this class of cadets who represent the bright future of the maritime industry.”

The TSGeneral Rudder comes to the Port of New Orleans on its first ever visit to the Crescent City after making stops at several other ports earlier this year including Mobile, Ala., and Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Pensacola, and Tampa, Fla.

“Although the cadets have enjoyed other cities during their training they are the most excited to get to New Orleans,” said Bob Wright, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Texas A&M University at Galveston. “The Port of New Orleans is a great liberty port due to the Julia Street Cruise Terminal’s proximity to the historic French Quarter and other attractions.”

While at the Port, cadets will conduct training exercises such as standing watches and vessel maintenance. Organized activities are also scheduled for the cadets, including a visit to the National WWII Museum.

The Texas Maritime Academy is one of six state maritime academies in the nation. Cadets train in the areas of seamanship, navigation and ocean engineering.

The TS General Rudder is named for General Earl Rudder who led the U.S. Army Rangers at Pointe du Hoc during the D-Day invasion and later became president of Texas A&M University. The ship began her career as an antisubmarine vessel patrolling the North Atlantic. She later became the flagship training vessel of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The TSGeneral Rudder has served every branch of the Armed Forces and has hosted cabinet members, senators and congressmen.